The Oratory School
Catholic
Updated July 2026
The Oratory is an independent Catholic day and boarding school for boys and girls aged 11-18, located in Woodcote, Oxfordshire. It provides a nurturing environment that balances academic excellence with the development of the whole person.
Curriculum
Teaching approach
The school is a Catholic foundation that welcomes pupils of all faiths or none, guided by the values of curiosity, confidence, endeavour, integrity, joy, kindness, and respect. It follows the 'Ex Umbris' learning culture, which focuses on the formation of the whole person—mind, body, and soul—rather than acting as an academic hothouse.
Programmes
The school offers a broad and rich curriculum for students aged 11 to 18, including GCSEs and A Levels. The academic programme is supported by the 'Ex Umbris' learning culture, which encourages curiosity and exploration beyond standard exam preparation.
Outcomes
The majority of students progress to their first-choice university, with many securing places at Russell Group institutions. Students leave the school as confident young adults equipped with a well-rounded education and a strong moral compass.
Student support
Learning support
The school offers a dedicated Curriculum Support department to assist students with their academic needs. Additionally, 1:1 and group lessons are available for English as an Additional Language (EAL) support.
Frequently asked questions(4)
- How much is tuition at The Oratory School?
- Annual tuition at The Oratory School is £25.8K–£55.4K. Fees vary by year group — confirm the current schedule with the school.
- Is The Oratory School a day or boarding school?
- The Oratory School is a day and boarding school.
- Is The Oratory School co-educational?
- The Oratory School is a co-ed school.
- Where is The Oratory School located?
- The Oratory School is an international school in Reading, United Kingdom.
Tuition & fees
Annual tuition by grade
2026-2027| Grade | Ages | Annual |
|---|---|---|
| 1st Form & 2nd Form (Years 7 & 8) - Day Pupils | 11–13 | £25.8K |
| 1st Form & 2nd Form (Years 7 & 8) - Full Boarding & Tuition | 11–13 | £37.4K |
| Senior School & 6th Form (Years 9-13) - Day Pupils | 13–18 | £35.3K |
| Senior School & 6th Form (Years 9-13) - Full Boarding & Tuition | 13–18 | £55.4K |
| Years 7 & 8 - Weekly Boarding (5/6 nights) | 11–13 | £34.4K |
| Years 9 – 6th Form - Weekly Boarding (5/6 nights) | 13–18 | £50K |
| Years 7 & 8 - Flexi Boarding (2/3 nights) | 11–13 | £30.2K |
| Years 7 & 8 - Flexi Boarding (4 nights) | 11–13 | £33.1K |
| Years 9 – 6th Form - Flexi Boarding (2/3 nights) | 13–18 | £43.6K |
| Years 9 – 6th Form - Flexi Boarding (4 nights) | 13–18 | £47.4K |
Other fees(10)
| Registration fee· For parents living in the UK | £180 |
|---|---|
| Registration fee· For parents living outside the UK | £300 |
| Deposit· For parents living in the UK or EU, or overseas pupils arriving for a 1-term placement | £1.2K |
| Deposit· A term's full boarding fee for parents living outside the UK or EU | — |
| Mealstermly· Non-optional lunch charge applied to termly bill. Additional meals for non-boarders charged at £7.15 per meal. | £325 |
| EAL· 1-2-1 EAL lessons: £47.40 per 30-minute lesson. 6th Form: £1,250 per term. 1st-5th Form group lessons: £6.75 per lesson. | — |
| Uniform· Ordered and paid directly via SchoolBlazer | — |
| Bus / transport· Bus routes run in partnership with Vectare | — |
| Boarding· Occasional Boarding: £89.25 per night (max 8 nights/term). Exeat Weekends: £200 per weekend stay. | — |
| Insurance· Personal Accident Insurance is compulsory and included in fees. Optional Personal Effects Insurance from £7.06/term. Optional Private Medical Insurance £162/term. | — |
Admissions
The school offers entry points at 11+, 13+, and 16+. Prospective families are encouraged to arrange a visit, attend an Open Morning, or book a Senior Experience or Individual Taster Day to learn more about the admissions process.
Calendar
The school operates on a termly basis, with key dates including the start and end of terms, induction days, and speech days. The academic year typically includes Michaelmas, Lent, and Trinity terms.
Facilities
About the campus
Set in 100 acres of Oxfordshire countryside, the campus features a Sports Centre with a 25m swimming pool, indoor sports hall, gyms, ergo room, spinning studio, squash courts, and Real Tennis court. Outdoor facilities include an all-weather pitch, lawn tennis courts, cricket nets, and a boathouse on the River Thames. The school also provides boarding accommodation for 200 students, a health centre, and dedicated 6th Form study and relaxation spaces.
Co-curriculars
The school provides a high-performing co-curricular programme that includes major sports, rowing, fencing, hiking, golf, and Real Tennis. Students also have access to a Combined Cadet Force (CCF), music, drama, and various societies and clubs, such as the Loquitur Society.
- Matthew FoggHead Master
Matthew Fogg became Head Master in April 2025, having previously served as Deputy Head since 2018. He read Ancient History at Durham University, is a Fellow of the Institute of Boarding, and previously worked at Ampleforth College. He has overseen the restructuring of pastoral care, the introduction of co-education, and the addition of Psychology as an A Level subject.
- Matthew SyddallSecond Master
Matthew Syddall, who is in his 16th year at the school, holds an MA and MSt from Oxford and a Master’s in Educational Leadership. He is a former Head of Classics and Head of 6th Form at The Oratory. He is also an Authorised Preacher in the Church of England and a former Chair of Governors at Pangbourne Primary School.
- Fiona YatesBursar
Fiona Yates was appointed Bursar in 2020, having previously worked as a Consultant and Finance Manager for the school. She holds a Maths degree from Oxford University and is a Chartered Accountant who previously worked at Dixons Group and GlaxoSmithKline.
- Stephen BurrowsAssistant Head (Safeguarding Lead & DSLA)
Stephen Burrows is Assistant Head (Safeguarding) and Director of Music. He read Music at Bristol University and previously worked as a professional singer and as Director of Music at St George’s School, Windsor Castle.
- Marcus FecAssistant Head (Co-Curricular & Partnerships)
Marcus Fec joined The Oratory in 2014 and has served as Head of History and Housemaster of Norris House. He holds a degree in History and an MA in Catholic Schools' leadership from St Mary's, Twickenham.
- Dr Victoria FoggAssistant Head (Community & Culture)
Dr Victoria Fogg founded the first Girls' House at The Oratory in 2020 and previously served as Head of EAL and Coeducation Co-Ordinator. She holds a PhD from York and has extensive experience in boarding and English education, including roles at Ampleforth College.
- Caryn HarwardAssistant Head (Director of Studies)
Caryn Harward joined as Head of Science in 2020 and became Assistant Head (Director of Studies) after serving as Assistant Head (Teaching & Learning). She holds a BSc in Biochemistry and an MSc in Epidemiology, and a PGCE in Chemistry.
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